Chapter 8
Lucy
Satisfied, I lean against the counter and watch more and more people gather in the book/music area, some even spilling into the coffee shop.
We have extra water bottles on hand during our “New Artist” nights, which always seems to be a hit.
Tonight’s feature, Amara White, has performed at Karma before and she seems to have quite a few repeat fans.
This is my favorite part of having these nights: the ability to watch someone’s fan base grow in real time.
Most of the time, it’s those trying to break into the music scene, but sometimes we will have poets or authors in as well.
Listening to the acoustic guitar as I restock a few items, I know that Amara is going to make it big someday.
Her picture is already up on our wall of fame so that if anyone asks, we can say we knew her before she made it.
I see a customer approach the counter and head to meet him, as Jeremy is busy checking out the area around the stage. The man who approaches is around my age, blond, dressed casually, and looks like he’s having a great time. I smile at him as he reaches the counter.
“Hi! What can I get for you this evening?” I chirp and inwardly roll my eyes as he looks me up and down, his smile growing just the tiniest bit bigger.
“Well, hello,” he starts. “I’m Matthew. I don’t suppose you’re on the menu?”
I fake a laugh and shake my head, refocusing on the register before looking at him again.
“Ah, well, any artist specials tonight?”
Artist specials were another one of my ideas that I have loved being able to see come to fruition.
Every artist who comes in, no matter the medium, has the option to work with us to craft one hot and one cold beverage to help market their art.
There’s a small fee involved, so many artists don’t choose to take advantage of it on their first night here, but many repeats like the creativity and marketing.
“We sure do! Tonight’s hot beverage is Dreams of Us, which is a spicy Mexican-style hot chocolate.
The cold beverage is Heartsong, which is an iced cherry mocha topped with whipped cream, heart-shaped sprinkles, and a cherry.
Both are named for songs on Amara’s new EP Love, Interrupted.
It’s available for purchase digitally, but we also have a few signed copies available on her merch table over there.
” I point to the small table positioned near the divide between the café and book/music areas.
“Well, I will get a large Dreams of Us, then,” Matthew smiles widely, turning up the charm, “and maybe your number?” He winks at me, but the flirtation – while unwelcome – doesn’t feel dangerous, so I feel comfortable replying directly.
“I’m flattered, but no, thank you,” I reply cheerfully, but firmly, entering his order into the register. “Can I get you anything else?” When he shakes his head no, I give him his total.
As he handles the payment, Jeremy sidles over, seeming to have completed his stage checks. He tends to stay close whenever I have a particularly flirtatious customer. When Matthew sees him approach, his eyes widen and I watch as his gaze travels up and down once more.
Jeremy notices. He allows his protective stance to soften and his gait turns a little bit more inviting.
“Hello there, handsome,” Matthew greets, his flirtatious tone returning.
With a smile on my face, I leave them to it and go to prepare his drink.
He eventually heads back over to the stage, drink in hand, after tucking a generous tip into the tip jar and giving a friendly wave.
I laugh to myself softly as I turn to clean the equipment before the next customer approaches.
***
I spend the next hour listening to Amara sing of love, lust, and heartbreak and enjoy the music as I start cleaning up. I can tell Amara is winding down her set and I want to be prepared for the rush of those grabbing drinks or pastries on their way out.
“Before I sign off for the evening, I was wondering if I could play you all something new.” Excited cheers greet Amara’s announcement, and I see more than a few phones come out to record.
“I have been working on this one for a while, and I can’t think of a better time to share it than with all of you here at Karma Coffee & Books.
It’s called Locket, I hope you all like it! ”
As she starts to strum, I close my eyes and smile. Amara was one of the first artists to perform on our “New Artist” nights and she never fails to give us a shoutout. It’s proof to me that giving people a shot is always worth it.
The lyrics start registering and an ache settles into my chest. The song encapsulates the feeling of unrequited love and packing those feelings away to look at fondly in the future.
It makes me think of Aria. As if summoned by my thoughts, I see her cherry red hair first as she glides through the door. Our gazes lock as Amara’s lyrics permeate the air:
“If I can only have you in my head, this vision makes me ache tonight
If you can’t see the way you infiltrate my dreams, how you light up my life
I’ll put my love for you inside this charm and wear you near my heart
Because if I can’t have you, then this locket will have to do.”
Everyone cheers and showers Amara with praise, but Aria and I are still frozen in our own little world.
I see her cheeks flush and her jaw drop slightly open and I am sure I look similar.
Before either of us can make a move, the crowd starts moving towards the register, stepping between us and breaking the connection.
I take a deep breath and put on a smile to handle the flock of hyped-up fans.
But, by the time I thin the crowd, Aria is gone.